Imagine you are sitting on the couch relaxing with a good book and hot cup of coffee or tea. You take that first sip of your delicious beverage, only to feel sharp pain radiate through your teeth. This can be a sign of tooth sensitivity, but not to worry, this is one of the most common issues we hear about as dentists. 

Our teeth are comprised of four different components: the enamel, the dentin, the cementum, and the pulp. The first layer of our tooth is the enamel, which is the hardest substance in the body, that protects the tooth from harm. The second layer is the dentin which is below the enamel which is largely impacted by different temperatures that can cause discomfort. The third layer is the cementum which covers the pulp and anchors the tooth into the jaw. The last layer is the pulp which is the centre of our teeth and what connects our teeth to the nerves, tissue, and blood vessels. Our teeth are much more complex that what we see with the naked eye, which is why it is crucial to understand why it is important to take care of our oral health. If we do not protect the top layer, the enamel, then there is the risk of having tooth sensitivity. Here are five reasons why you may be suffering from tooth sensitivity and preventative measures to help keep sensitivity at bay. 

Bruxism

This form of dental condition is formally known as bruxism, but commonly referred to as teeth grinding. This can occur for various reasons like stress, anxiety, from sleep apnea, and more. Although our tooth enamel is the strongest substance in our body, it can still be damaged through the grinding of our teeth. As our teeth grind, it slowly breaks down our enamel and exposes the dentin. Once the dentin is exposed it will cause your teeth to become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, which will become a struggle when trying to enjoy foods and beverages. Although sensitivity to temperature seems like the worst thing that could happen, exposed dentine can lead to discolouration and cracked or chipped teeth. Once the enamel has been destroyed, there is no way to bring it back, so it is important to ensure your oral health routine is being focused on to prevent further damage. 

Gum Disease 

Gum disease is formally known as periodontal disease which usually begins as gingivitis. This refers to the branch of dentistry that helps focus on the health of our teeth and gums. Gum disease shows its first signs as gingivitis when the gums become irritated, red, and inflamed. This will occur because of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, which will begin to build along the gums and teeth. If this is not taken care of, it will lead the enamel to weaken which will result in tooth sensitivity. Some symptoms to keep an eye out for with gum disease to refrain from tooth sensitivity are bad breath, red or swollen gums, bleeding gums, and painful chewing. 

Cavities 

A cavity is a permanent opening or hole that occurs by food and bacteria building up on the teeth, known as plaque. The bacteria in plaque produces an acid that will deteriorate the enamel of the tooth, which will cause tooth sensitivity. Brushing and flossing the teeth can help get rid of plaque, but if it builds up it can eat away at the enamel and create a cavity, which will lead to teeth sensitivity. 

Overuse of Whitening Products 

We understand that a bright white smile is what we want; however, overusing a product to whiten your teeth will eventually destroy your enamel exposing your dentin. Getting teeth whitened by a dental professional is perfectly safe; however, without the proper training and knowledge could cause permanent damage. Due to the chemicals found in whitening gels, it can cause burns, sickness, or dentin exposal if not applied properly. An individual will know if their dentin is exposed because their teeth will become overly sensitive, and discolouration will occur giving the teeth a yellow look. It is best to contact a dental professional before using whitening products, as a dentist can recommend you the best solution to suit your needs. 

Overbrushing the Teeth 

A huge question that we get asked in the industry is if someone can ever brush their teeth too much, and the answer is yes. It is important that you are brushing twice a day, but any more than that can create more problems for yourself, compared to fixing them. Over-vigorous brushing can lead to dental abrasion, tooth sensitivity, and gum recession. This will occur if one is using a hard bristle toothbrush because it can wear down the enamel due to the aggressiveness of the brush. 

Preventative Measures 

Now that we have discussed some of the causes for tooth sensitivity, it is time to discuss some solutions that one can do to prevent tooth sensitivity. While some measures may seem like common knowledge, it is crucial to fully understand what one can do for themselves if they are finding pain in their oral cavity.

• Invest in a desensitizing toothpaste. This specific toothpaste is made to help with overly sensitive teeth which will provide some protection against plaque and acids 
• Try to maintain a routine of brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft bristle toothbrush to ensure that your teeth are being cleaned safely 
• Limit the number of foods you ingest that are high in acidity and sugar. This will help keep the enamel in healthy condition without damage 
• Most importantly, visit your dentist every 4-6 months to ensure that your teeth can be properly cleaned and have an oral exam completed 

If you are feeling that tinge of pain in your oral cavity, it is best to visit the dentist to ensure you do not prolong any damage. We will always state that it is better to be safe, rather than sorry. If you are concerned about tooth sensitivity or looking to improve your smile, contact us today. We want to make sure that your oral health is always taken care of and that you are avoiding any unwanted health problems.